Thinking about volunteering with the American River Parkway Foundation in 2026? Each month, we’re highlighting one of our many volunteers to show you why that might just be the best idea you’ll have all year. First up is Erin Drinkwater, who’s volunteered as a Mile Steward for the last five years.
“I love the American River Parkway because it is a true gem in the Sacramento area that brings people together through nature, recreation, and shared stewardship,” Erin tells the ARPF. “It’s a place where community is built, whether you’re walking the trails, volunteering, or simply enjoying the river. It creates a strong sense of connection and belonging.”
Erin has served as a Volunteer Mile Steward for five years, but she first got involved with the ARPF because of her sister and fellow Mile Steward, Annie, who regularly invited Erin to river clean-ups. After ten years of volunteering alongside her sister, Erin decided to become a Mile Steward herself. Today, she hosts her own clean-up events and volunteers at the ARPF’s Spring Clean-Up and Great American River Clean-Up (GARCU).
“I continue to volunteer to set an example for my five-year-old daughter,” Erin says before reminiscing on some of her favorite volunteer memories. “During GARCU 2024, I served as the captain at Sailor Bar. The entire Bella Vista Wrestling team, along with their coaches, showed up to volunteer. I remember feeling overwhelmed at first, but the group was incredible, which quickly made the experience both easy and fun. High school students are always enjoyable to host, but when you bring together a team of athletes, you truly get to see teamwork in action.”
Erin’s passion for volunteering began in college when she took a Recreation/Leisure Studies class. Part of the class requirement was a trash pick-up field trip.
“I was pleasantly surprised by how much I bonded with my classmates,” Erin says. This sense of connection and community is something Erin continues to find as a volunteer with the ARPF. “At last year’s Spring Clean-Up, I was teamed with Trish, Carol, and Adele, three women I had never met before. I honestly can’t remember a time when I had more fun volunteering. They were welcoming, respectful, kind, funny, and open to my ideas and help. The four of us worked seamlessly together. I learned so much that day, not just about the work, but from those three women themselves. Meeting such incredible people through volunteering and feeling that sense of belonging is truly special.”
When asked what Erin would tell someone who’s thinking about volunteering, she doesn’t hesitate: “Don’t wait, act now. The only thing you’ll regret is not doing it sooner. It’s a great way to meet new people, build connections, and simply get outside to enjoy the fresh air. Volunteering lets you see the impact of your efforts firsthand and leaves you feeling good about the difference you’re making.”
The American River Parkway Foundation depends on the support of thousands of volunteers and hundreds of businesses and organizations annually to preserve the 4,800-acre American River Parkway. In 2025, over six thousand volunteers joined us on the Parkway and collected 65,968 pounds of trash, removed 259,472 invasive plants, and helped us restore and conserve this urban jewel.
If you’re ready to make a difference in your community, join Erin as a Mile Steward. We have open miles available to individuals or businesses looking to have a close, personal stake in the well-being of the Parkway. Open volunteer miles include 2-S, and open financial miles include 4-S, 5-N, 14-N, 15-N, and 19-N. Or check out our volunteer calendar and complete an application and waiver to volunteer with us on the Parkway this year.
